Ref. #7F98A8 · RD130-01
Backwater
30%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Backwater Technical Profile
What color is Backwater? It's a deep cool neutral with the hex code #7F98A8. Colors similar to Backwater include Vista Paint Breath-Taking View, Hirshfield's Breath-taking View, Dunn-Edwards Silver Storm. Backwater has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 30 gives Backwater depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Backwater pairs with cool whites for trim, gray-toned or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Black accents and natural greenery add contrast. Cool neutrals hold their crisp quality under 4000K+ daylight bulbs. Under 2700K warm light they soften considerably — particularly true for any blue or green undertone.
Colors Similar to Backwater
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Backwater
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Backwater
#7F98A8
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8589AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Backwater
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Backwater Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Kilz Colors
Other Kilz colors close to Backwater.
More neutral colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the neutral family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Backwater — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Backwater have?
Backwater by Kilz has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the neutral color family.
What colors match Backwater from other brands?
The closest matches are Breath-Taking View by Vista Paint (#809AAA), Breath-taking View by Hirshfield's (#809BAC), Silver Storm by Dunn-Edwards (#8599A8). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Backwater?
Backwater has an LRV of 29.8, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Backwater
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Backwater's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.